Technologies for transportation

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprising a platform; a plurality of trucks coupled to the platform; and a roller assembly coupled to the platform, wherein the roller assembly is configured for an omnidirectional rotation, wherein the roller assembly is configured for an elastic biasing, wherein the roller assembly is driven by a motor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/790,593 filed 23 Oct. 2017; which is aContinuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.15/400,097 filed 6 Jan. 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,802,108 issued 31 Oct.2017; which is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent applicationSer. No. 15/064,309 filed 8 Mar. 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,604,124issued 28 Mar. 2017; which is a (1) Continuation-in-Part of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/047,230 filed 18 Feb.2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,555,315 issued 31 Jan. 2017; which is aContinuation of International Application PCT/US14/68401, filed 3 Dec.2014, which claims a benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/004,692, filed 29 May 2014 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 61/912,455, filed 5 Dec. 2013; and (2) claims a benefit ofpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/130,114, filed 9 Mar.2015; each of which is herein fully incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the present disclosure relates to transportation. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to motorizedtransportation.

BACKGROUND

In the present disclosure, where a document, an act and/or an item ofknowledge is referred to and/or discussed, then such reference and/ordiscussion is not an admission that the document, the act and/or theitem of knowledge and/or any combination thereof was at the prioritydate, publicly available, known to the public, part of common generalknowledge and/or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicablestatutory provisions; and/or is known to be relevant to an attempt tosolve any problem with which the present disclosure is concerned with.Further, nothing is disclaimed.

A rider can ride a lateral sliding roller board, such as a freeboard, ona city street, a sidewalk, a playground, a sports complex, or some othersurface to simulate unique movements of snowboarding. However, suchboard is typically configured for riding down an incline, a mountain, ora hill since a lateral sliding movement unique to such board usuallycannot be sustained while riding on a flat terrain or up an inclinedterrain. If the rider does not have access to the incline, the hill, orthe mountain, then the board typically cannot operate as designed.Resultantly, such state of being has generally contributed to a limitedadoption of such board, as public access to the incline, the hill, orthe mountain is not widespread. Although a powered skateboard allows therider to ride without human power, such as in a “carving” style using aset of skateboard trucks, the powered skateboard is typically unable toprovide the lateral sliding movement of the snowboard or the lateralsliding roller board.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure at least partially addresses at least one of theabove. However, the present disclosure can prove useful to othertechnical areas. Therefore, the claims should not be construed asnecessarily limited to addressing any of the above.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure anapparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a platform; a pluralityof trucks coupled to the platform; and a roller assembly coupled to theplatform, wherein the roller assembly is configured for anomnidirectional rotation, wherein the roller assembly is configured foran elastic biasing, wherein the roller assembly is driven by a motor.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure anapparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a platform; a pluralityof trucks coupled to the platform; a motor; a roller assembly coupled tothe platform, wherein the roller assembly is configured for anomnidirectional rotation, wherein the roller assembly is configured foran elastic biasing; and a ducted fan coupled to the platform, whereinthe motor drives the ducted fan.

The present disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. However, attention is called to the fact that thedrawings are illustrative. Variations are contemplated as being part ofthe disclosure, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate example embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Such drawings are not to be construed as necessarilylimiting the disclosure. Like numbers and/or similar numbering schemecan refer to like and/or similar elements throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an underside view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a frontal view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board in a first state according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a frontal view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board in a second state according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a frontal view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board in a third state according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a first side view of an example embodiment of a rollerassembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a second side view of an example embodiment of a rollerassembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a first perspective view of an example embodiment of aroller assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a second perspective view of an example embodiment of aroller assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a pair of top views and a front side view of an exampleembodiment of a powered lateral sliding roller board and a segment ofthe powered lateral sliding roller board respectively according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an example embodiment of acomputer-implemented process for traction control software employed on apowered lateral sliding roller board according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of anelastically adjustable foot hook according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of anelastically-adjustable foot hook engaging a rider's foot according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of anfasten-adjustable foot hook according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a pivotingfoot hook engaging a rider's foot according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a pivotingfoot hook in an open position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a pivotingfoot hook in a closed position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows an example embodiment of an electrical schematic diagramof a powered lateral sliding roller board according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 shows another example embodiment of an electrical schematicdiagram of a powered lateral sliding roller board according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows yet another example embodiment of an electrical schematicdiagram of a powered lateral sliding roller board according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows still another example embodiment of an electricalschematic diagram of a powered lateral sliding roller board according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 22 shows an exploded view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a remotecontrol for a powered lateral sliding roller board according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of anadjustable remote control handle according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a processingarchitecture according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a motorizedwheel assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 27A-27C show a plurality of side views of how an electric motorrotates with a roller according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 shows a top view of an electric motor and a roller according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board with a fan according to the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is now described more fully with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the presentdisclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily beinglimited to the example embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, theseexample embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure isthorough and complete, and fully conveys the concepts of the presentdisclosure to those skilled in the relevant art.

Features described with respect to certain example embodiments may becombined and sub-combined in and/or with various other exampleembodiments. Also, different aspects and/or elements of exampleembodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined and sub-combined in asimilar manner as well. Further, some example embodiments, whetherindividually and/or collectively, may be components of a larger system,wherein other procedures may take precedence over and/or otherwisemodify their application. Additionally, a number of steps may berequired before, after, and/or concurrently with example embodiments, asdisclosed herein. Note that any and/or all methods and/or processes, atleast as disclosed herein, can be at least partially performed via atleast one entity in any manner.

The terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full orpartial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, whenan element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, then the element can be directly on, connected orcoupled to the other element and/or intervening elements can be present,including indirect and/or direct variants. In contrast, when an elementis referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” toanother element, there are no intervening elements present.

Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notnecessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are used todistinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for describing particular exampleembodiments and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of thepresent disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes”and/or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence and/oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, orclear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of thenatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; orX employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under anyof the foregoing instances.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediatestructures) of the present disclosure. As such, variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the exampleembodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed asnecessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or beseparately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assemblyand/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can bemanufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additivemanufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and/or other any other typesof manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes includethree dimensional (30) printing, laser cutting, computer numericalcontrol routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming,hydroforming, injection molding, lithography, and so forth.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/or include,whether partially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral,an amorphous material, a ceramic, a glass ceramic, an organic solid,such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a composite material, asemiconductor, a nanomaterial, a biomaterial and/or any combinationsthereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/orinclude, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including aninformational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesivecoating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, suchas tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such asfor tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency,translucency, opaqueness, luminescence, reflection, phosphorescence,anti-reflection and/or holography, a photo-sensitive coating, anelectronic and/or thermal property coating, such as for passivity,insulation, resistance or conduction, a magnetic coating, awater-resistant and/or waterproof coating, a scent coating and/or anycombinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, canbe rigid, flexible, and/or any other combinations thereof. Any and/orall elements, as disclosed herein, can be identical and/or differentfrom each other in material, shape, size, color and/or any measurabledimension, such as length, width, height, depth, area, orientation,perimeter, volume, breadth, density, temperature, resistance, and soforth.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Theterms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized and/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and“upper” can be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Suchrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations ofillustrated technologies in addition to the orientation depicted in theaccompanying drawings. For example, if a device in the accompanyingdrawings were turned over, then the elements described as being on the“lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sidesof the other elements. Similarly, if the device in one of the figureswere turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. Therefore,the example terms “below” and “lower” can encompass both an orientationof above and below.

As used herein, the term “about” and/or “substantially” refers to a+/−10% variation from the nominal value/term. Such variation is alwaysincluded in any given value/term provided herein, whether or not suchvariation is specifically referred thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,546 is herein fully incorporated by reference forall purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,658 is herein fully incorporated byreference for all purposes. If any disclosures are incorporated hereinby reference and such disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole withthe present disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, and/or broaderdisclosure, and/or broader definition of terms, the present disclosurecontrols. If such disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with oneanother, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dated disclosurecontrols.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board according to the present disclosure. Apowered lateral sliding roller board 100 comprises a platform 102comprises a center portion 104, a front portion 106, and a rear portion108. The platform 102 comprises a pair of side portions 110 extendinglongitudinally along the platform 102 through the front portion 106, thecenter portion 104, and the rear portion 108. The platform 102 comprisesat least one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or anycombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the front portion 106 issufficiently different in at least one of size and shape from the rearportion 108 such that a rider can easily visually distinguishtherebetween, but in other embodiments, the front portion 106 is notsufficiently different in at least one of size and shape from the rearportion 108 such that a rider can easily visually distinguishtherebetween. Further, in some embodiments, the side portions 110 aresymmetrical to each other, but in other embodiments, the side portions110 are asymmetrical to each other. Also, in some embodiments, theplatform 102 is at least one of wider and longer than a conventionalskateboard platform, where the conventional skateboard platform is atleast from about 7 inches to about 9 inches wide and from about 31inches to about 34 inches long. For example, the platform 102 can beabout 10 inches wide and about 40 inches long.

The board 100 further comprises a pair of foot hooks 112, positioned onopposing sides of the platform 102, such as the front portion 106 andthe rear portion 108. Each of the foot hooks 112 comprises a foot hookplate 114, which can be assembled with and/or be unitary to the foothook 112. At least one of the foot hooks 112 comprises at least one ofplastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or any combinations thereof. Atleast one of the foot hooks 112 can be unitary and/or an assembly. Eachof the foot hooks 112 comprises a pair of opposing rows defined via aplurality of openings 146, at least one of which can be circular,square, triangular, or some other shape. Although the opposing rows arerectilinear in extension, the opposing rows can extend in other ways,such as arcuate, wavy, or zigzag. The openings 146 can be directlyopposing each other or be offset from each other, such as via oneposition. Each of the foot hooks 112 comprises a pair of fasteners 144,such as a screw or a bolt. At least one of the fasteners 144 comprisesat least one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or anycombinations thereof. Each of the fasteners 144 corresponds to each ofthe rows defined via the openings 146. For each of the rows defined viathe openings 146, each of the fasteners 144 extends through one of theopenings 146. Such extension provides for foot hook 112 adjustment basedon rider comfort, such as for accommodating various rider foot sizes,whether as measured in length, width, and/or height. Accordingly, thefasteners 144 can be fastened and unfastened selectively.

At least one of the foot hook plates 114 can be unitary and/or anassembly. At least one of the foot hook plates 114 comprises at leastone of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or any combinationsthereof. Each of the foot hook plates 114 defines an opening 116therein. Each of the foot hooks 112 is secured to the platform 102 via afastener 118 extending through the opening 116. Note that the opening116 in the foot hook 112 secured in the rear portion 108 is circular andthe opening 116 in the foot hook 112 secured in the front portion 106 isarcuate. Resultantly, the foot hook 112 secured in the rear portion 108is positionally fixed, as the opening 116 precludes any movement of thefoot hook 112 secured in the rear portion 108. In contrast, the foothook 112 secured in the front portion 106 is laterally rotatable, as theopening 116 enables a lateral movement of the foot hook 112 secured inthe front portion 106. Such rotation provides an ability change an angleof a rider's foot. For example, the angle can range from about 0 degreesto about −45 degrees and about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees relative toa roughly perpendicular plane to an imaginary longitudinal center line120 on of the platform 104. For another example, such rotation can be atleast about 5 degrees from a central alignment position along the line120 toward at least one of the side portions 110. Note that other waysof securing the foot hook 112 to the platform 102 can be used, such asnailing, adhering, mating, interlocking, bolting, or clamping. Also,note that both of the foot hooks 112 can be fixed in position, such asthe foot hook 112 secured in the rear portion 108, or both of the hooks112 can be laterally rotatable, such as the foot hook 112 secured in thefront portion 106. In some embodiments, the board 100 comprises at mostone foot hook 112, whether in a fixed position configuration or alaterally rotating configuration. In other embodiments, at least one ofthe foot hooks 112 is at least one of U-shaped, C-shaped, E-shaped,T-shaped, O-shaped, P-shaped, J-shaped, D-shaped, H-shaped, L-shaped, orV-shaped. Note that such foot hook 112 can be coupled to the platform102 in any manner, such as via fastening, adhering, mating, orinterlocking, at any point of the foot hook 112, whether upright,sideways, or inverted, for foot insertion thereinto such that a rider'sfoot is relatively secured to the platform 102. In some embodiments, theboard 100 lacks at least one of the foot hooks 112. In some embodiments,the board 100 lacks both of the foot hooks 112 as the rider does notneed to use the foot hooks 112 to ride the board 100 as at least one ofthe foot hooks 112 is operably coupled to the platform 102 to provideadditional control and support.

An energy source 122 provides energy to a motor such that the motor isable to propel the board 100. The source 122 comprises at least one ofplastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or any combinations thereof.The source 122 may be an engine, a motor, a battery, a fuel tank, aphotovoltaic cell, a capacitor, or another energy source. For example,the fuel tank can contain gasoline which is combusted in the engine suchthat the engine powers the motor to propel the board 100. The source 122can be rechargeable whether in a wireless manner, such as via induction,and/or a wired manner, such as via a line. The source 122 is secured tothe platform 102, between the foot hooks 112 on an upper side of theplatform 102. The source 122 is secured to the platform 102 viafastening, but in other embodiments, the source 122 is secured to theplatform 102 via nailing, adhering, mating, interlocking, bolting,clamping, or any combinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, thesource 122 is secured to the platform 102, between the foot hooks 112 ona lower side of the platform 102. In still other embodiments, the source122 is not between the foot hooks 122, such as in the front portion 106and/or the rear portion 108. Note that more than one source 122 can beused in any manner, whether powering one or more motors in any manner,whether synchronously and/or asynchronously, independently and/ordependently, in one manner and/or in different manners, and/or in anytype of correspondence, such as one-to-one, many-to-many, one-to-many,and/or many-to-one.

The board 100 further comprises a front truck 124 comprising a pair offrontal wheels 126 and a rear truck 128 comprising a pair of rear wheels130. The front truck 124 is secured to the platform 102 in the frontportion 106, such as via fastening, adhering, mating, or interlocking.The rear truck 128 is secured to the platform 102 in the rear portion108, such as via fastening, adhering, mating, or interlocking. At leastone of the front truck 124, the rear truck 128, at least one of thefrontal wheels 126, and at least one of the rear wheels 130 comprises atleast one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or anycombinations thereof.

In one mode of operation, a rider R stands on the platform 102 such thatthe rider's R feet are under the foot hooks 112 in a stance similar tothat used for snowboarding, surfing, or skateboarding. The rider Rstands sideways with a back foot BF roughly perpendicular or at avarying angle to the line 120 and a front foot FF being roughlyperpendicular or at a varying angle to the line. This stance allows therider R to easily shift the rider's R weight onto the rider's R toes oronto the rider's R heels. However, note that the rider's R feet can beat any angle, as measured from the line 120, as many riders have theirown ‘stance’ preferences with known angles. For example, some ridersride at a 30/15 orientation where 30 degrees in the front foot FF and 15degrees on the back foot BF, as measured from the line 120. The rider Rcan also move freely about the upper side of the platform 102, assumingdifferent stances for different maneuvers. As with a conventionalskateboard, the front portion 106 and the rear portion 108 angle upwardsfrom the platform 102. Via transferring the rider's R weight to thefront portion 106 or the rear portion 108, the rider R can performnumerous tricks and maneuvers where part or all of the powered lateralsliding roller board 100 becomes elevated from a ground surface on whichat least one of the wheels 126 and the wheels 130 roll. Note that theboard 100 can ride forwards, backwards, or laterally.

FIG. 2 shows an underside view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board according to the present disclosure. Someelements of this figure are described above. Thus, same referencecharacters identify identical and/or like components described above andany repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omittedor simplified in order to avoid complication.

The truck 124 comprises a fixed wheel assembly 132 and the truck 128comprises a fixed wheel assembly 134, both of which are positioned alongthe line 120 opposing each other. In other embodiments, the assembly 132and the assembly 134 are offset from each other. In some embodiments, atleast one of the assembly 132 and the assembly 134 is powered via amotor, at least as described herein, whether independently from eachother and/or dependent on each other, whether in a synchronized mannerand/or a non-synchronized manner. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe assembly 132 and the assembly 134 is not fixed, such as rotating,for instance within about 50 degrees to each side of the platform 102from the line 120. Note that each of the wheel assembly 132 and theassembly 134 can have two wheels, less than two wheels, and/or more thantwo wheels, whether per assembly and/or per side.

The board 100 further comprises a plurality of motorized rollerassemblies 136, 138 secured to the platform 102, such as via fastening,adhering, mating, or interlocking, between the assembly 132 and theassembly 134. However, in other embodiments, at least one of the rollerassemblies 136, 138 is not between the assembly 132 and the assembly134, such as between a frontal tip of the platform 102 and the assembly132 or between a rear tip of the platform 102 and the assembly 134 or noroller assemblies 136, 138 are between the assembly 132 and the assembly134. The roller assemblies 136, 138 are aligned with each other andalong the line 120. However, in other embodiments, the roller assemblies136, 138 are not aligned with each other and/or along the line 120, suchonly one of the roller assemblies 136, 138 is aligned along the line 120or the roller assemblies 136, 138 are offset from each other while notbeing aligned to the line 120. Each of the roller assemblies 136, 138 isconfigured to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the platform 102. Eachof the roller assemblies 136, 138 is configured to be elasticallybiased, such as via a spring, for instance a coiled spring, whileconstantly contacting the ground surface and self-aligning with adirection of force applied onto the platform 102 during riding. Moreparticularly, each of the roller assemblies 136, 138 is elasticallybiased, such as via a spring, to self-align along the line 120, pointedeither forward towards the front portion 106 or backward towards therear portion 108, without interfering with motor-powered operation ofeach of the roller assemblies 136, 138. Such bias simulates a naturaltracking tendency of a ski and/or a snowboard, while enhancing ridercontrol. Also, note that the bias is sufficiently strong to add ridercontrol, yet configured such that the rider is substantially precludedfrom rotating the platform 102 into sideways riding. In someembodiments, the bias manifests via a roller being attached to a frame,while rotating about a horizontal axis of rotation, with a cam followerbeing pivotally coupled to the frame and including a torsion spring. Thecam follower comprises a bearing. The cam follower is forced by anelastic member, such as a spring, to be positioned against a cam whichis fixed relative to the platform 102, which causes the frame to rotateto a position of least force between the cam and the cam follower.Accordingly, a bias profile is established via adjusting at least one ofa cam shape and a spring force on the cam follower. One example of thecam is a pair of M-shaped curves symmetrically coupled to each other attheir ends at a pair of apexes. In some embodiments, only one of theroller assemblies 136, 138 is motor powered. In some embodiments, atleast one of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises the source 122.Note that although the roller assemblies 136, 138 are described in acontext of the board 100, at least one of the roller assemblies 136, 138can be applied to other environments, functions and/or structures, atleast in a manner as described herein, such as in a luggage item, asuitcase, a travel bag, a roller skate, an industrial equipment device,a material handling equipment item, a furniture item, a toy, a cart, arobot, a wheelchair, a medical device, a stretcher, a bed, a gurney, achair, a table, a shopping cart, a platform truck, a tow line in aplant, a pallet, a skid, a video game console, a computer, and/or avehicle, whether land, aerial, and/or marine, whether manned and/orunmanned, whether for recreation, construction, military, industrial,law enforcement, or medical purposes.

The fixed wheel assemblies 132, 134 provide a different functionalcharacteristic and a different effect on maneuvering than do the rollerassemblies 136, 138. Resultantly, arranging the fixed wheel assemblies132, 134 with the roller assemblies 136, 138 as shown simulatessnowboarding relatively effectively, while travelling under power acrossflat terrain, down inclined terrain, or up inclined terrain. At leastone of the fixed wheel assemblies 132, 134 comprises at least one ofplastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or any combinations thereof. Atleast one of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises at least one ofplastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or any combinations thereof.

Note that the roller assemblies 136, 138 can be identical to and/ordifferent from each other in any way, at least as described herein,whether structurally and/or functionally. For example, one of the rollerassemblies 136, 138 can be biased and the other one of the rollerassemblies 136, 138 can be non-biased, although both can be biased ornon-biased. Also, for example, one of the roller assemblies 136, 138 canbe powered in one manner and the other one of the roller assemblies 136,138 can be powered in another manner, although both can be both can bepowered in one manner. Additionally, for example, one of the rollerassemblies 136, 138 can comprise one type of motor and the other one ofthe roller assemblies 136, 138 can comprise another type of motor,although both can comprise one type of motor. Moreover, for example, oneof the roller assemblies 136, 138 can comprise one type of drivingmechanism and the other one of the roller assemblies 136, 138 cancomprise another type of driving mechanism, although both can compriseone type of driving mechanism.

Note that the fixed wheel assemblies 132, 134 are sufficiently spacedapart such that the board 100 is relatively stable to ride on.Resultantly, as a distance between the fixed wheels assemblies 132, 134increases, the board 100 rides in a more stable manner. For example, adistance from a transverse axis 140 of the fixed wheel assembly 132 to atransverse axis 142 of the fixed wheel assembly 134 is longer than theconventional skateboard, such as by about 33% in some embodiments. Also,note that the fixed wheel assemblies 132, 134 and the roller assemblies136, 138 are sufficiently close such that the fixed wheel assemblies132, 134 and the roller assemblies 136, 138 avoid mechanicalinterference with each other. Similarly, note that as a distance betweenthe roller assemblies 136, 138 grows, the board 100 rides in a morestable manner.

FIG. 3 shows a frontal view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board in a first state according to the presentdisclosure. Some elements of this figure are described above. Thus, samereference characters identify identical and/or like components describedabove and any repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafterbe omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication.

The roller assembly 136 comprises a roller 140, which is motorized, aspowered via the energy source 122. The board 100 is in a first ridingstate where the board 100 rides on the left wheel 126 and the roller140, with the right wheel 126 being raised above the ground surface at aheight differential of Δh. The first state can be initiated via therider R leaning toward the left side 110. The left wheel 126 is assistedin rolling via the roller 140, as powered via the motor. Note thatsimilar state of being exists with respect to the rear truck 128 and therear roller assembly 138. Also, note that via the rider R shiftingweight from one side to another, the rider R can use the powered lateralsliding roller board 100 to carve under power without entering into asliding mode.

FIG. 4 shows a frontal view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board in a second state according to the presentdisclosure. Some elements of this figure are described above. Thus, samereference characters identify identical and/or like components describedabove and any repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafterbe omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication.

The board 100 is in a second riding state where the board 100 rides onthe roller 140, with the left wheel 126 and the right wheel 126 beingraised above the ground surface. The second state can be initiated viathe rider R centering and/or sufficiently balancing on the platform 102without overly leaning toward the left side 110 or the right side 110.The roller 140, whether motor powered or not, enables such riding of theboard 100. Note that similar state of being exists with respect to therear truck 128 and the rear roller assembly 138. Also, note that therider's R weight rests solely on the roller assemblies 136, 138 and theboard 100 can ride, whether motor powered or not, in any directionaccording to an omnidirectional rotation of the roller assemblies 136,138, such as 360 degrees. However, note that such type of riding and/oromnidirectional rotation can be limited via elastic biasing, such as viaa spring, of the roller assemblies 136, 138. Also note that entering theomnidirectional riding mode does not necessarily depend on the wheels126 being raised from the ground surface. One factor is how much forceis being applied onto the wheels 126. For example, if the rider R isgenerally centered over the platform 102, then the rider's R weightsubstantially rests on the pivoting rollers 140, which decreasesfriction between the wheels 126 and the ground surface to a level wherethe board 100 can slide laterally.

FIG. 5 shows a frontal view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board in a third state according to the presentdisclosure. Some elements of this figure are described above. Thus, samereference characters identify identical and/or like components describedabove and any repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafterbe omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication.

The board 100 is in a third riding state where the board 100 rides onthe right wheel 126 and the roller 140, with the left wheel 126 beingraised above the ground surface at the height differential of Δh. Thethird state can be initiated via the rider R leaning toward the rightside 110. The right wheel 126 is assisted in rolling via the roller 140,as powered via the motor. Note that similar state of being exists withrespect to the rear truck 128 and the rear roller assembly 138. Also,note that via the rider R shifting weight from one side to another, therider R can use the powered lateral sliding roller board 100 to carveunder power without entering into a sliding mode.

As seen at least from above, FIGS. 3-5 show how the rider R canimplement variable speed control while riding under motor power. Therider can also use at least one of the foot hooks 112 to secure therider's R feet in place to gain additional control of the board 100.

FIG. 6 shows a first side view of an example embodiment of a rollerassembly according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a second sideview of an example embodiment of a roller assembly according to thepresent disclosure. FIG. 8 shows a first perspective view of an exampleembodiment of a roller assembly according to the present disclosure.FIG. 9 shows a second perspective view of an example embodiment of aroller assembly according to the present disclosure. FIG. 22 shows anexploded view of an example embodiment of a powered lateral slidingroller board according to the present disclosure. Some elements of thesefigures are described above. Thus, same reference characters identifyidentical and/or like components described above and any repetitivedetailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplifiedin order to avoid complication.

Each of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises a plurality of motormounts 148, which includes a motor mount 148A and a motor mount 148B.Although the mounts 148 are plate-shaped, the mounts 148 can be shapeddifferently, such as a lattice or a hemisphere. At least one of themounts 148 is unitary and/or an assembly. At least one of the mounts 148comprises at least one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, orany combinations thereof. The mounts 148 are coupled to each other via aplurality of fasteners 150, such as a screw or a bolt, and a pluralityof nuts 152 fastened onto the fasteners 150. However, note that othercoupling techniques can also be used, whether alternatively and/oradditionally. For example, the mounts 148 can couple via mating,adhering, or interlocking. At least one of the fasteners 150 comprisesat least one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or anycombinations thereof. At least one of the nuts 152 comprises at leastone of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or any combinationsthereof.

Each of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises an axle 154 extendingthrough the mounts 148, as spanning between the mount 148A and the mount148B, and a circular roller 156 mounted onto the axle 154, between themounts 148. The axle 154 comprises at least one of plastic, metal,rubber, wood, and glass, or any combinations thereof. The roller 156comprises at least one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, orany combinations thereof. The roller 156 can comprise a tire. The axle154 can be fixed with respect to the mounts 148 and/or be freelyrotating with respect to the mounts 148. In some embodiments, the axle154 is telescoping. In some embodiments, at least one of the rollerassemblies 136, 138 comprises a locking/brake mechanism to lock theroller 156, such as to prevent the board 100 from sliding downhill.

Each of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises a motor 158, such as anengine, an electric motor, an actuator, a hydraulic motor, a rocketmotor, a pneumatic motor, and so forth. For example, the motor 158 cancomprise a heat engine, an alternating current (AC) electric motor, adirect current (DC) electric motor, and/or a servo electric motor. Notethat the when the motor 158 comprises the electric motor, then suchmotor can be brushed and/or brushless. The motor 158 comprises a driveshaft 160 which extends into the mounts 148. The shaft 160 comprises atleast one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or anycombinations thereof. In other embodiments, the motor 158 comprises aplurality of shafts 160, which can operate synchronously with each otherand/or asynchronously from each other, whether dependently and/orindependently from each other. For example, the drive shafts 160 extendin opposing directions from the motor 158. In some embodiments, themotor 158 is configured to provide 5,000 rotations per minute (RPM). Insome embodiments, the motor 158 is a 2,000-watt brushless electricmotor. In some embodiments, the motor 158 is able to propel the board100 between about 20 miles per hour (MPH) and about 30 MPH. Note that atleast one of the mounts 148 is operably coupled to the roller 156 andtherefore the at least one of the mounts 148 rotates with the roller156. However, in other embodiments, at least one of the mounts 148comprise the roller 156 or the motor 158. In some embodiments, the board100 comprises a plurality of sources 122, where the sources 122 powerthe motors 158 in a one-to-one correspondence, many-to-onecorrespondence, one-to-many correspondence, and/or many-to-manycorrespondence. In some embodiments, the motors 158 are of one type,such as the motors 158 are electric, while in other embodiments, themotors 158 are of different types, such as one is brushed and one isbrushless.

Each of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises a motor pulley wheel162, a roller pulley wheel 164, and a timing belt 166 mounted undertension over the wheel 162 and the wheel 164 to synchronize rotationtherebetween, as driven via the motor 158. The wheel 162 is mounted ontothe shaft 160, with the mount 148B interposed therebetween. The wheel162 comprises at least one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass,or any combinations thereof. The wheel 164 is mounted onto the axle 154,along with the roller 156 with the mount 148 interposed therebetween.The wheel 164 comprises at least one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood,and glass, or any combinations thereof. The belt 166 comprises at leastone of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, a para-aramid synthetic fiber, andglass, or any combinations thereof. The belt 166 comprises an innersurface with a plurality of projections/depressions, such as teeth,sprockets, or grooves. Each of the wheel 162 and the wheel 164 comprisesan outer surface with a plurality of projections/depressions, such asteeth, sprockets, or grooves, for synchronously mating with theprojections/depressions of the belt 166. In some embodiments, at leastone of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises a timing chain, whetheralternative and/or in addition to the timing belt 166. The timing chaincan comprise at least one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, orany combinations thereof. Note that other types of endless timing bandare possible as well.

Each of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises an tensioner wheelfastener 170 extending through the mount 148B and an tensioner wheel 168secured to the mount 148B via the fastener 170 such that the wheel 168is outside of the belt 166, yet between the wheel 162 and the wheel 164.The fastener 170 can be a bolt or a screw. In some embodiments, at leastone of the assemblies 136, 138 comprises a nut 172 fastened onto thefastener 170 such that the mount 148B is interposed therebetween and thewheel 168 is more secured thereby. The wheel 168 adds tension to thetiming belt 166 between the wheel 162 and the wheel 164, thus precludingsubstantial slippage of the belt 166 while riding under power of themotor 158. Although the wheel 168 is above the belt 166, in otherembodiments, the wheel 168 is below the belt 166, such as shown in FIG.2. The shaft 160 and the axle 154 are secured to the mount 148A via aplurality of bearings 174, such as a plain bearing, a rolling-elementbearing, a jewel bearing, a fluid bearing, and so forth. Although thebearings 174 are flush with the mount 148A, in other embodiments, atleast one of the bearings 174 is not flush with the mount 148A.

Each of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises a rotating slip ring176 and a stationary brush 178 spanning between the ring 176 and themotor 158 for energy transfer, such as electric current, from the source122. The brush 178 can comprise graphite, copper or some otherconductive material, whether metallic, such as a silver, gold, oraluminum, and/or non-metallic, such as a conductive polymer. The brush178 rubs onto the ring 176 and as the ring 176 turns, the brush 178receives and conducts the energy to the motor 158. Note that more thanone brush 178 can be used. In other embodiments, the ring 176 isstationary and the brush 178 rotates.

FIG. 10 shows a pair of top views and a front side view of an exampleembodiment of a powered lateral sliding roller board and a segment ofthe powered lateral sliding roller board respectively according to thepresent disclosure. Some elements of these figures are described above.Thus, same reference characters identify identical and/or likecomponents described above and any repetitive detailed descriptionthereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoidcomplication.

The platform 102 is defined via a first segment 102A and a secondsegment 102B when the segments 102A, 102B are assembled with each other,such as manually. Accordingly, the platform 102 is configured fordisassembly along a width of the platform 102, which is substantiallyperpendicular to the line 120. In other embodiments, the platform 102configured for disassembly along a length of the platform 102, which issubstantially parallel to the line 120. In yet other embodiments, theplatform 102 is configured for disassembly along a slant of the platform102, which is substantially diagonal to the line 120. Note thatdisassembly along at least one of a wavy line, an arcuate line, and azigzag line is possible as well. The segments 102A, 1028 can besymmetrical and/or asymmetrical to each other.

Each of the segments 102A, 102B comprises a male connector 180 and afemale connector 182 configured for interlocking and/or mating with theother female connector 182 and the other male connector 180,respectively. The male connector 180 can be unitary to and/or assembledwith at least one of the segments 102A, 102B. In other embodiments, thesegments 102A, 102B are assembled via a single male connector 180 and asingle female connector 182.

Each of the segments 102A, 102B comprises at least one electricalinterface connector 184 in contact with at least one wire running alongthe respective segment 102A, 102B. When the segments 102A, 102B areassembled with each other, such as via the male connector 180 and thefemale connector 182, the respective connectors 184 electricallyinterface with each other to create a path, such as a circuit, forconduction of at least one of electrical circuit and data. In otherembodiments, at least one pair of the male connector 180 and the femaleconnector 182 comprise a pair of corresponding electrical contacts, suchas a pair of leads. For example, an electrical circuit is created alongthe platform 102, such as via a wire, whether internal to the platform102 and/or external to the platform 102, when electrical current canflow from one of the segments 102A, 102B to the other across suchelectrical contacts as such contacts are in electrical contact with eachother based on the segment 102A being assembled with the segment 1028 toform the platform 102.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an example embodiment of acomputer-implemented process for traction control software employed on apowered lateral sliding roller board according to the presentdisclosure. Some elements of these figures are described above. Thus,same reference characters identify identical and/or like componentsdescribed above and any repetitive detailed description thereof willhereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication.

The board 100 comprises a hardware processor, such as a single core chipor a multi-core chip, and a memory, such as non-volatile memory, forinstance flash memory, operably coupled to the processor. The memorystoring a set of instructions for execution by the processor, whetherserially and/or in parallel. For example, the processor and the memorycan be installed in a controller unit coupled to the platform 102, suchas via mating, adhering, fastening, or interlocking. The controller unitcomprises a transceiver operably coupled to the processor and an antennaoperably coupled to the transceiver for wireless communication with aremote control, such as via a short-range wireless communicationprotocol, such as infrared based and/or radiofrequency (RF) based. Insome embodiments, the controller unit includes a receiver alternative tothe transceiver. The set of instructions is instructive to assist inboard traction control in order to optimize a riding speed of at leastone of the roller assemblies 136, 138 relative to a specific riderinput, such as a setting. Some examples of such setting comprise fastspeed, slow speed, extreme speed, high performance speed, or some othersetting level that controls traction, acceleration, speed, and/orcontrol. The set of instructions is instructive to process a set ofinputs, which can comprise a first motor speed, a first motor electricalcurrent, a second motor speed, a second motor electrical current, a usersetting, or a remote control potentiometer level. The set ofinstructions is instructive to provide a set of outputs, which cancontrol at least one of a first motor speed, a first motor acceleration,a first motor current, a second motor speed, a second motoracceleration, and a second motor current, for at least one of the motors158. In some embodiments, the set of outputs can also control each ofthe motors 158 independently so that only one motor 158 can be used at atime, if necessary.

In block 1002, the processor determines speed level data, which is basedon speed control data obtained from a remote control, as per block 1010.The remote control can be wireless and/or wired. The remote control canbe configured to be handheld in the rider's R hand during riding. Forexample, the remote control can be a wearable computer or a mobilephone.

In block 1004, the processor sends the determined speed level data to afirst motor speed controller and a second motor speed controller. One ofthe roller assemblies 136, 138 comprises the first motor speedcontroller and the other one of the roller assemblies 136, 138 comprisesthe second motor speed controller. Accordingly, the first motorcontroller and the second motor controller respectively sets the firstmotor 158 and the second motor 158 to a specific speed based on suchdetermined speed level data. Each of the first motor speed controllerand the second motor speed controller comprises an electronic circuitwhich varies at least one of a speed of the motor 158 and a direction ofthe motor 158. In some embodiments, at least one of the first motorspeed controller and the second motor speed controller is configured fordynamic braking. At least one of the first speed controller and thesecond speed controller can be a stand-alone unit.

In block 1006, the processor determines an actual speed of the firstmotor 158 and the second motor 158, which is based on speed dataobtained from the first motor speed controller and the second motorspeed controller, as per block 1012 monitoring. Note that the actualspeed of each of the first motor 158 and the second motor 158 ismonitored from the speed level data from the first motor speedcontroller and the second motor speed controller since shifting of therider's R weight puts different loads on each of the first motor 158 andthe second motor 158, which causes one of the motor 158 to potentiallyspin faster.

In block 1008, the processor calculates the speeds of each of the motors158 and then slows the faster one of the motors 158 to match the speedof the slower motor 158 based on such calculation, with this new speeddata being sent to each corresponding speed controller, or vice versa,via speeding up the slower one of the motors 158. The processor theniteratively loops back to analyze the speed control data input from theremote control, as per block 1014.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of anelastically adjustable foot hook according to the present disclosure.FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of anelastically-adjustable foot hook engaging a rider's foot according tothe present disclosure. Some elements of these figures are describedabove. Thus, same reference characters identify identical and/or likecomponents described above and any repetitive detailed descriptionthereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoidcomplication.

The foot hook 112 is secured to the platform 102 via the plate 114 andthe fastener 118 extending through opening 116, which enables lateralrotation of the foot hook 112. The foot hook 112 comprises of a pair ofsections adjustably coupled to each other in a biased manner via atleast one elastic member, such as a spring 186. When the rider's R footis underneath the foot hook 112, the spring 186 is in an expanded statesuch that the spring 186 applies tension to a lateral side of therider's R foot in order to secure the rider's foot to the board 100.Likewise, when the rider's R foot is not underneath the foot hook 112,the spring 186 is in a contracted state. Note how that the contractedstate is shown in FIG. 12 and the expanded state is shown in FIG. 13

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of anfasten-adjustable foot hook according to the present disclosure. Someelements of these figures are described above. Thus, same referencecharacters identify identical and/or like components described above andany repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omittedor simplified in order to avoid complication.

The pair of sections of the foot hook 112 are adjustably coupled to eachother via the fastener 144 extending through one of the openings 146, asshown in FIG. 1. Each of the openings 146 corresponds to a foot hookposition for a foot size. Accordingly, the rider R can manually adjustfoot hook section positioning based on the rider's R foot size viaselectively fastening or unfastening the fastener 144.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a pivotingfoot hook engaging a rider's foot according to the present disclosure.FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a pivotingfoot hook in an open position according to the present disclosure. FIG.17 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a pivoting foothook in a closed position according to the present disclosure. Someelements of these figures are described above. Thus, same referencecharacters identify identical and/or like components described above andany repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omittedor simplified in order to avoid complication.

The foot hook 112 comprises a hinge 188, which is biased via an elasticmember, such as a spring, disposed underneath the foot hook 112. Thehinge 188 can be locking, such as in a ratchet manner. The hinge 188 iscorrespondingly coupled to the pair of sections of the foot hook 112.Such coupling can be via adhering, fastening, mating, or interlocking.Accordingly, the foot hook 112 is pivotally adjustable via the hinge188. FIG. 15 shows the foot hook 112 engaging the rider's R foot underbiased tension via the elastic member. FIG. 16 shows the foot hook 112in an open position, as pulled back against tension applied via theelastic member disposed underneath the foot hook 112. FIG. 17 shows thefoot hook 112 in a closed position, as let go from the open position.Note that the elastic member brought the foot hook 112 into a defaultposition.

FIG. 18 shows an example embodiment of an electrical schematic diagramof a powered lateral sliding roller board according to the presentdisclosure. Some elements of these figures are described above. Thus,same reference characters identify identical and/or like componentsdescribed above and any repetitive detailed description thereof willhereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication.

An electrical schematic diagram 800 of the board 100 shows that thesource 122 is connected to a plurality of speed controllers 190, asdescribed above, via a plurality of paths 192, such as a plurality ofwires. The speed controllers 190 are connected to the rings 176 via aplurality of paths 194, such as a plurality of wires. The rings 176 areconnected to the motors 158 via the brushes 178.

FIG. 19 shows another example embodiment of an electrical schematicdiagram of a powered lateral sliding roller board according to thepresent disclosure. Some elements of these figures are described above.Thus, same reference characters identify identical and/or likecomponents described above and any repetitive detailed descriptionthereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoidcomplication.

An electrical schematic diagram 900 lacks the rings 176. The source 122is connected to the controllers 190 via the paths 192. The controllers190 are connected to the motors 158 via a plurality of paths 196, suchas a plurality of wires.

FIG. 20 shows yet another example embodiment of an electrical schematicdiagram of a powered lateral sliding roller board according to thepresent disclosure. Some elements of these figures are described above.Thus, same reference characters identify identical and/or likecomponents described above and any repetitive detailed descriptionthereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoidcomplication.

An electrical schematic diagram 2000 lacks the rings 176 and also usesonly one speed controller 190 for both motors 158. The source 122 isconnected to the controller 190 via the path 192. The controller 190 isconnected to the motors 158 via the paths 196.

FIG. 21 shows still another example embodiment of an electricalschematic diagram of a powered lateral sliding roller board according tothe present disclosure. Some elements of these figures are describedabove. Thus, same reference characters identify identical and/or likecomponents described above and any repetitive detailed descriptionthereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoidcomplication.

An electrical schematic diagram 2100 includes the rings 176 and alsouses only one speed controller 190 for both motors 158. The source 122is connected to the controller 190 via the path 192. The controller 190is connected to the rings 176 via the paths 194. The rings 176 areconnected to the motors 158 via the brushes 178.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a remotecontrol for a powered lateral sliding roller board according to thepresent disclosure. Some elements of these figures are described above.Thus, same reference characters identify identical and/or likecomponents described above and any repetitive detailed descriptionthereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoidcomplication.

A remote control 2300 comprises a handle body 2302, which comprises atleast one of plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and glass, or anycombinations thereof. The body 2302 further comprises a power source,such as a battery, whether a single use battery or a rechargeablebattery, a transmitter powered via the power source, and an antennaoperably coupled to the transmitter. In other embodiments, the body 2302comprises at least one of a receiver and a transceiver. The transmitteris configured for wireless communication with the controller unit, asdescribed above, such as for traction control. The body 2302 comprises asliding potentiometer button 2304, although other types ofpotentiometers and/or buttons can be used as well. The body 2302 definesa plurality of finger holes 2306, 2308 which are configured to enablethe rider R to keep the body 2302 secured in the rider's R hand, whilethe hand is open and closed. Note that other types of remote controldevices are possible as well, such as a wearable computer or a mobilephone. In other embodiments, the remote control unit 2300 is configuredfor wired communication with the controller unit, as described above,such as for traction control.

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of anadjustable remote control handle according to the present disclosure.Some elements of these figures are described above. Thus, same referencecharacters identify identical and/or like components described above andany repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omittedor simplified in order to avoid complication.

The body 2302 comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The frontportion of the body 2302 comprises the button 2304 and hole 2308. Therear portion of the body 2302 comprises the hole 2306. The front portionof the body 2302 and the rear portion of the body 2302 are operablycoupled to each other via an elastic member 2310, such as a spring or amemory foam. Therefore, the body 2302 is configured to enable manualsize adjustment, whether along a hand length, width, and/or height, forriders with different sized hands, such as along a horizontal axisextending along a length of the body 2302. For example, in a firststate, where the elastic member is in an expanded position, which is adefault position, the front portion of the body 2302 and the rearportion of the body 2302 allow a rider with a first hand size to gripthe body 2302. However, in a second state, where the elastic member isin a contracted position, the first portion of the body 2302 is movedtoward the rear portion of the body 2302 such that a rider with a secondhand size is able to grip the body 2302, where the first hand size islarger than the second hand size.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a processingarchitecture according to the present disclosure. Some elements of thesefigures are described above. Thus, same reference characters identifyidentical and/or like components described above and any repetitivedetailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplifiedin order to avoid complication.

A processing architecture 2400 comprises a hardware processor 2402, suchas a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 2404 operably coupled tothe processor 2402, such as via a wire, and a communication unit 2406operably coupled to the processor 2402, such as via a wire. Thearchitecture 2440 can comprise other components, such as an input deviceof any type and/or an output device of any type. The architecture 2400can be embodied on the board 100, such as in a controller unit ordistinct from the controller unit in any manner, such as on the platform102, as described above. The architecture 2400 can also be embodied onthe remote control 2300. The architecture 2400 is powered via a powersource 2408, such as a battery, as described above. Alternatively, thearchitecture 2400 comprises the source 2408.

The processor 2402 can be a single core chip or a multi-core chip. Thememory 2404 can be non-volatile memory, such as flash memory. The memory2404 stores a set of instructions for execution by the processor 2402,whether serially and/or in parallel. For example, the processor 2402 andthe memory 2404 can be installed in a controller coupled to the platform102, such as via mating, adhering, fastening, or interlocking, asdescribed above. The unit 2406 comprises a transceiver and an antennaoperably coupled to the transceiver, such as via a wire, for wirelesscommunication, such as via a short-range wireless communicationprotocol, such as infrared based and/or radiofrequency (RF) based. Insome embodiments, the unit 2406 includes a receiver alternative to thetransceiver. The set of instructions can be instructive of variousmanners, such as to assist in board traction control in order tooptimize a riding speed of at least one of the roller assemblies 136,138 relative to a specific rider input, such as a setting.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a motorizedwheel assembly according to the present disclosure. Some elements ofthese figures are described above. Thus, same reference charactersidentify identical and/or like components described above and anyrepetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted orsimplified in order to avoid complication.

In some embodiments, one or more electric motors can reside inside oroutside of the various wheels in a variety of configurations. Forexample, an electric motor 160 can be located or positioned inside theroller 156. The board 100 comprises a motorized wheel assembly 400,which includes an electric motor 160 positioned or situated inside theroller 156, whether in whole or in part. The assembly 400 is connectedor otherwise coupled to the mounts 148 via the axle 154. The axle 154holds an electric motor stator 160 b secure in place such that anelectric motor rotor 160 a and the roller 156 are free to rotate aboutan axis along the axle 154. The motorized wheel assembly 400 allows orprovides for an omission of at least one component, such as the wheel162, the wheel 164, the wheel 168, or the belt 166.

FIGS. 27A-27C show a plurality of side views of how an electric motorrotates with a roller according to the present disclosure. Some elementsof these figures are described above. Thus, same reference charactersidentify identical and/or like components described above and anyrepetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted orsimplified in order to avoid complication.

The electric motor 160 is rotationally operative with the roller 156. InFIG. 27A, the electric motor rotor 160 a is connected or otherwisecoupled to the roller 156. The electric motor rotor 160 a and the roller156 are configured to rotate around the electric motor stator 160 b. InFIG. 27B, the electric motor rotor 160 a and the roller 156 rotatetogether around the electric motor stator 160 b. In FIG. 27C, evenfurther rotation of the electric motor rotor 160 a and the roller 156 isshown, where both are rotating around the electric motor stator 160 b.

FIG. 28 shows a top view of an electric motor and a roller according tothe present disclosure. Some elements of these figures are describedabove. Thus, same reference characters identify identical and/or likecomponents described above and any repetitive detailed descriptionthereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoidcomplication. The electric motor 160 is positioned inside the roller156.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a poweredlateral sliding roller board with a fan according to the presentdisclosure. Some elements of these figures are described above. Thus,same reference characters identify identical and/or like componentsdescribed above and any repetitive detailed description thereof willhereinafter be omitted or simplified in order to avoid complication.

The board 100 can drivably travel via a ducted fan in addition to, orwithout, a powered caster wheel, as disclosed herein. For example, theboard 100 includes a plurality of ducted fans 210, one placed on a firstend portion, such as a front portion or a leading edge portion, and asecond end portion, such as a back portion or a trailing edge portion,of the platform 102. Note that the fans 210 can be equivalent to ordifferent from each other, in structure or function or shape or size orpower output or aerodynamics. Note that the fans 210 can bedirectionally fixed or rotatable, whether manually or automatically,such as based on direction of travel as automatically determined viaan-onboard sensor coupled to the board 100, such as a compass or a boardorientation sensor. The fans 210 can be placed in a variety of numbersand configurations on a top side, lateral sides, a front portion, a backportion, a bottom portion or underside of the platform 102 or evenattached to the rider or any other part of the board 100. One example ofthe ducted fan 210 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,658, which isfully incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. However, notethat there are many examples of devices, such as electronic motors,engines, ducted fans, and other propulsion devices, which can be used inor on the board 100.

Accordingly, the board 100 brings a new freedom of movement toskateboarding, approximating many of movements found in snowboarding,while traveling under power across terrain. The board 100 provides anability to “carve,” as a conventional skateboard can, where leaning therider's R weight to one side causes the board 100 to turn in thatdirection, while permitting a mode of omnidirectional motion, where theboard 100 can easily travel forwards, backwards, sideways, and/or anycombination thereof, and an ability to transition smoothly andcontrollably between the carving mode and the omnidirectional mode. Theboard 100 is configured to allow all of such snowboard movements acrossterrain where such movements were traditionally impossible, such as flatterrain and up inclined terrain.

In some embodiments, various functions or acts can take place at a givenlocation and/or in connection with the operation of one or moreapparatuses or systems. In some embodiments, a portion of a givenfunction or act can be performed at a first device or location, and theremainder of the function or act can be performed at one or moreadditional devices or locations.

In some embodiments, an apparatus or system comprise at least oneprocessor, and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the atleast one processor, cause the apparatus or system to perform one ormore methodological acts as described herein. In some embodiments, thememory stores data, such as one or more structures, metadata, lines,tags, blocks, strings, or other suitable data organizations.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of thisdisclosure can be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure can take theform of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or asembodiments combining software and hardware aspects that can allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, aspects of the disclosure can take the form of a computerprogram product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s)having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) can beutilized. The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific example (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium can be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium can include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal can takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium can be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program codeembodied on a computer readable medium can be transmitted using anyappropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline,optical fiber cable, radiofrequency (RF), etc., or any suitablecombination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent disclosure can be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming language, including an object oriented programming language,such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming language, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code can execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure andthe practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in theart to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The diagrams depicted herein are illustrative. There can be manyvariations to the diagram or the steps (or operations) described thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For instance, thesteps can be performed in a differing order or steps can be added,deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part ofthe disclosure. It will be understood that those skilled in the art,both now and in the future, can make various improvements andenhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to befully exhaustive and/or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed.Many modifications and variations in techniques and structures will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the disclosure as set forth in the claims thatfollow. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are contemplatedas being a part of the present disclosure. The scope of the presentdisclosure is defined by the claims, which includes known equivalentsand unforeseeable equivalents at the time of filing of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a remote control; a platformconfigured for a live human rider to ride thereon; and a plurality ofcaster units secured to the platform, wherein the remote control isconfigured for controlling the caster units when the remote control isoperated by the live human rider while riding on the platform, whereineach of the caster units including: a plate, a roller coupled to theplate, and an electric motor residing inside the roller such that theelectric motor drives the roller and the roller rolls relative to theelectric motor about a first axis, wherein the caster unit rotatesfreely about 360 degrees about a second axis distinct from the firstaxis.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the caster unitsincludes a slip ring and a brush, wherein the brush spans between theslip ring and the electric motor.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein theslip ring rotates with respect to the brush.
 4. The device of claim 2,wherein the brush rotates with respect to the slip ring.
 5. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the electric motor is brushed in at least one of thecaster units.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the electric motor isbrushless in at least one of the caster units.
 7. The device of claim 6,wherein the electric motor is a direct current (DC) electric motor. 8.The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the caster units includesan axle, wherein the axle is coupled to the plate, wherein the roller ismounted onto the axle.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the electricmotor includes a stator and a rotor, wherein the axle is coupled to thestator such that the rotor rotates the roller with respect to thestator.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the casterunits includes a brake mechanism coupled to the roller.
 11. The deviceof claim 1, comprising: a plurality of trucks secured to the platform,wherein at least one of the caster units is coupled to the platformbetween the trucks.
 12. The device of claim 1, comprising: a pluralityof trucks secured to the platform, wherein at least one of the casterunits is coupled to the platform not between the trucks.
 13. The deviceof claim 1, wherein at least one of the caster units includes a slipring coupled to the plate.
 14. A device comprising: a platform; aplurality of trucks coupled to the platform; a plurality of caster unitscoupled to the platform, wherein each of the caster units includes: aplate, a roller coupled to the plate, and an electric motor residinginside the roller such that the electric motor drives the roller and theroller rolls relative to the electric motor about a first axis, whereinthe caster unit rotates freely about 360 degrees about a second axisdistinct from the first axis.
 15. A device comprising: a remote control;a platform configured for a live human rider to ride thereon; and aplurality of caster units secured to the platform, wherein the remotecontrol is configured for wirelessly controlling the caster units whenthe remote control is handheld operated by the live human rider whileriding on the platform, wherein each of the caster units including: aplate, a roller coupled to the plate, an electric motor residing insidethe roller such that the electric motor drives the roller and the rollerrolls relative to the electric motor about a first axis, and a slip ringcoupled to the electric motor, wherein the caster unit rotates freelyabout 360 degrees about a second axis distinct from the first axis.